DE112009005408B4 - Connection structure of artificial limb and socket, using a magnetic locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

A structure for connecting an artificial body member (10) and a sleeve (20), comprising: a magnetic locking device (2) disposed at a distal end of the artificial body member (10), the magnetic locking device (2) comprising an electro-permanent magnet, which includes a permanent magnet (14) and an electromagnet; and a fastener (8) disposed at a distal end of the sleeve (20), the fastener (8) being attachable and detachable from the magnetic latch (2) using a magnetic force.

Description

[Technical area]

The invention relates generally to a structure for connecting an artificial limb and a sleeve lining which receives a stump, and more particularly to a structure for connecting an artificial limb and a sleeve lining, wherein the artificial limb and the sleeve lining are readily attached to and separated from each other using a magnetic locking device having an electro-permanent magnet.

[Technical background]

Artificial limbs are man-made devices that are manufactured in such a way that their appearance or function can replace the function of a missing part of an arm or leg. Some types of artificial limbs have the same shape and function as a missing joint. While there are several categories of artificial limbs depending on the purpose and the parts to be used, these are generally divided into an upper limb, commonly referred to as an artificial arm, and a lower limb, commonly referred to as an artificial leg ,

To use an artificial limb, first a sleeve liner is supported on a stump, and the artificial limb is then connected to the sleeve liner. Most devices for connecting the artificial limb to the prior art sleeve liner utilize a pin lock that secures the artificial limb and sleeve liner using a pin. As in 2 As shown, the pin lock is a type of lock mechanism in which the sleeve liner is connected to the artificial body member by attaching a metal pin P to the distal connection end of the sleeve liner. In the case of the pin lock, the surface to which the stump and the artificial limb are connected is only the cross-sectional area of the pin P. As a result, it is difficult to balance the weight of the body in the standing position, and a gap in the attachment portion causes noise in the attachment Walk.

2 FIG. 14 is a configuration view illustrating attaching a related art pin lock device (left) and attaching a magnetic limb device for an artificial limb according to the invention (right). FIG. As shown in the figure, the pin lock has a long connecting portion to which the stump and the artificial limb are connected. However, this structure is difficult to use when the stump is long. In contrast, the magnetic lock is configured to be thin, and thus can be advantageously used even if the stump is long.

In the US Pat. No. 6,273,918 B1 is a magnetic release system of a prosthesis described in which a flat element between magnetic parts is pushed to solve the connection.

In the DE 43 28 779 A1 is a magnet assembly for the attachment of prostheses, in particular artificial ears, described which has provided for a displacement guide.

In the DE 10 2011 115 017 A1 a magnet holder for femoral prostheses is described in which a permanent magnet is firmly connected to the bone stump.

[Epiphany]

[Technical problem]

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems encountered in the related art, and intends to develop a magnetic locking device based on an electro-permanent magnet in which a permanent magnet and a solenoid are combined, and to develop a sleeve liner, which interacts with the magnetic locking device to provide a structure for connecting an artificial body member and a sleeve liner, wherein the artificial body member and the sleeve liner are readily attached and disengaged from one another using the magnetic locking device having the electro-permanent magnet.

[Technical solution]

In one aspect, the invention provides a structure for connecting an artificial limb and a socket, including: a magnetic locking device disposed at a distal end of the artificial limb. The magnetic locking device has an electro-permanent magnet including a permanent magnet and an electromagnet. The structure also includes a fastener disposed at a distal end of the sleeve. The fastener may be attached to and released from the magnetic locking device using a magnetic force.

In the invention, the magnetic locking device may include: a core for transmitting the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet to the fastening element; the permanent magnet disposed within the core to generate the magnetic field; and an electrical coil disposed on the core, wherein the electrical coil generates a magnetic field so that the fastener can be easily attached to and detached from the magnetic locking device.

In the invention, a magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet may flow through the core and the fastener to create an attractive force between the permanent magnet and the fastener, and a current through the electrical coil may be caused to generate a magnetic field To generate reverse direction to that of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet to block a magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet, so that the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet can circulate within the core, whereby the attraction force between the permanent magnet and the fastener is released the permanent magnet and the fastener are easily detachable from each other.

In the invention, the structure may also include: a battery for supplying power to the magnetic locking device; a current regulator for controlling a current supplied to the magnetic locking device; and a power supply switch to turn on / off supply of electric power to the magnetic lock device.

In the invention, it is possible to use electric power from the battery only when the artificial body member and the sleeve are detached from each other.

In the invention, a sleeve liner made of silicone may be disposed within the sleeve, and a raw material expandable in a single direction may be attached to a surface of the sleeve liner. The raw material expandable in a single direction can be expanded and contracted only in the width direction, but not in the longitudinal direction.

In the invention, the sleeve liner may have a double structure including an inner member made of silicone whose Shore A hardness is between 5 and 20 and an outer member made of silicone whose Shore A hardness is between 30 and 60 is.

list of figures

• 1 Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure for connecting an artificial body member and a sleeve using a magnetic locking device according to the invention;
• 2 Fig. 12 is a configuration view showing the fixing of the magnetic locking device for an artificial limb according to the invention (right) and the attachment of a related art pin lock device;
• 3 Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing the operation principle of an electromagnet type structure;
• 4 Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing the operation principle of a permanent magnet type structure;
• 5 Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing the operation principle of an electro-permanent magnet type structure;
• 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the principle of operation of a magnetic lock according to the invention (left: power off, right: power turned on); and
• 7 FIG. 14 is a configuration view showing the fixing of a magnetic lock device according to the invention and a sleeve liner which can be attached to and detached from the magnetic lock device using magnetic force. FIG.

[Best Mode]

Hereinafter, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure for connecting an artificial limb. FIG 10 and a sleeve 20 using a magnetic locking device according to the invention.

The artificial limb 10 includes a magnetic lock housing 1 , a magnetic locking device 2 , a battery 3 , a current regulator 4 , a power switch 5 , a connecting pyramid 6 of the limb, and a connection adapter 7 of the limb, and the sleeve 20 includes a sleeve lining 9 and a sleeve attachment member 8th ,

The magnetic lock housing 1 is at the distal end of the artificial limb 10 attached, serves as a housing for protecting the Magnetic locking device 2 in that it is contained therein, and is made of metal, plastic or the like.

The magnetic locking device 2 is a magnet system constructed by combining permanent magnets and electromagnets, and is a device which forms the sleeve 20 , which is worn on a stump, and the artificial limb 10 using magnetic force

The magnetic locking device 2 includes permanent magnets 14 for generating a magnetic field, a core 12 for transmitting through the permanent magnets 14 generated magnetic field on the fastener 8th , and an electric coil 13 for facilitating electrical fastening and releasing in response to the permanent magnet 14 generated magnetic field.

The battery 3 serves to the magnetic locking device 2 when recharged, it should be made up of a rechargeable secondary cell such as a lithium-ion cell. The battery 3 can only when loosening the sleeve 20 used to reduce power consumption. Even if the battery is shown as being under the magnetic locking device 2 is positioned, its position is not limited thereto and can be changed to other positions.

The current regulator 4 serves to cause a predetermined amount of current through the coil, such that the battery 3 is fully charged, leaving the battery 3 Even with the least amount of energy required can work properly to perform a release. Although it is shown in the figure that the current regulator 4 under the magnetic lock device 2 is arranged, its position is not limited thereto and can be changed to other positions.

The power supply switch 5 is a magnetic lock switch and is used to power the battery 3 to the coil of the magnetic locking device 2 turn on / off. The power supply switch 5 is typically used as the ON / OFF button. Although it is shown in the figure that the power supply switch 5 on the side of the magnetic control device 2 is arranged, its position is not limited thereto, and can be changed to other positions.

The current regulator 4 and the power switch 5 are control devices that allow the sleeve 20 and the artificial limb 10 readily attached to each other and can be detached from each other. If the sleeve 20 is released, the magnetic locking device 2 through the power supply switch 5 Power supplied to block the magnetic force of the permanent magnets, and the current of the battery 3 is through the current regulator 4 controlled.

The connecting pyramid 6 of the artificial limb is a device which under the magnetic locking device 2 is arranged and serves to the magnetic locking device 2 with the body of the artificial limb 10 connect to. The connecting pyramid 6 of the artificial limb is made of aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, or the like.

The connection adapter 7 of the artificial limb is a device that under the connecting pyramid 6 of the artificial body member is arranged, and serves to the magnetic control device 2 with the body of the artificial limb 10 connect to.

The fastener 8th is a part that contains a metal material, which is at the bottom of the sleeve 20 is attached, such that it is to the magnetic locking device 2 is attracted.

The sleeve lining 9 is a lining that is inside the sleeve 20 is arranged. A plastic sleeve 20 is used to the artificial limb 10 to wear on the stump, and a silicone lining is between the plastic sleeve 20 and the severed part to protect the skin and perform a buffering function. This silicone lining is used as a sleeve lining 9 designated.

The sleeve lining 9 may have a double structure including an upper inner portion into which the stump is inserted and a lower outer portion. The upper inner portion is made by machining a low hardness silicone material (Shore A hardness between 5 and 20) to provide a soft and comfortable feel when worn. The lower outer portion is made by machining a high hardness silicone material (Shore A hardness between 30 and 60) to limit expansion and contraction caused by the weight of the artificial limb 10 while walking is conditional.

In addition, a unidirectional expandable raw material on the surface of the sleeve liner 9 be attached. When a user for a long time goes while he is the artificial limb 10 carries, there is a repeated expansion and contraction of the silicone sleeve lining, ie it expands when the user swings forward when walking, due to its weight, and contracts when the user puts his foot on the ground. This, therefore, becomes a factor causing abrasion due to the repeated friction between the silicone sleeve liner and the skin on the stump. An abrasion refers to a wound in which the skin is damaged by an external force parallel to the skin, in particular an external wound in which the skin is peeled off by scraping or rubbing. In general, the outer skin is peeled off, lymph leaks out, and bleeding occurs on the inner skin. The lymph and blood then solidify, forming a scab. In order to prevent the abrasion by the friction at the stump, the unidirectional raw material becomes the surface of the sleeve liner 9 attached. The unidirectional raw material ensures that the sleeve lining 9 can expand and contract in the width direction, but not in the longitudinal direction.

3 is a schematic view showing the principle of operation of an electromagnet type structure. As in 3 As shown, the electromagnet-type structure includes an electric coil 13 for generating a magnetic field and a core 12 for transmitting through the electrical coil 13 generated magnetic field to the fastener 8th ,

As in the left part of 3 shown occurs when passing a current I through the electric coil 13 flowing, a magnetic flux Φ in the electric coil 13 up, and flows through the core 12 and the fastener 8th , whereby a force of attraction between the electromagnet and the fastening element 8th is produced. As on the right side of 3 is shown, if you do not have electricity through the electric coil 13 flow, no magnetic field through the electric coil 13 generated, and thus no attraction force between the electromagnet and the fastener 8th generated.

Although the electromagnet may be made in any shape, such as rectangular or circular shape, the configuration intended by the invention can not be realized by the electromagnet itself. This is because a large capacity battery must be installed because electric power is needed while the attraction is being generated. In addition, the volume and weight of the electromagnet disadvantageously increase, because a large-sized electric coil is required to reduce a heat generated by the electromagnet.

4 Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing the operation principle of a permanent magnet type structure. As in 4 As shown, the permanent magnet type structure includes a permanent magnet 14 for generating a magnetic field and a core 12 for transmitting through the permanent magnet 14 generated magnetic field to the fastener 8th , The permanent magnet 14 that's inside the core 12 is arranged, generates a magnetic flux Φ, in turn, the core 12 and the fastener 8th flows through, creating an attractive force between the permanent magnet 14 and the fastener 8th is produced.

Since the structure of the permanent magnet type no means for blocking by the permanent magnet 14 generated magnetic field, the fastener must 8th be solved with force under physical force application. Otherwise, it is necessary to use a structure in which another permanent magnet is arranged to the magnetic flux Φ, which is the fastener 8th towards the core 12 redirect.

In these types of the permanent magnet structure, the circular permanent type structure is simple, but a handicapped person having a damaged limb has difficulty in releasing the artificial limb. If another permanent magnet is added to facilitate attachment and detachment, volume and weight are disadvantageously increased.

5 is a schematic view showing the principle of operation of an electro-permanent magnet type structure, and 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the principle of operation of a magnetic lock according to the invention (left: power off, right: power on).

As in 5 and 6 As shown, the structure of the electro-permanent magnet type includes a permanent magnet 14 for generating a magnetic field, a core 12 for transmitting through the permanent magnet 14 generated magnetic field to the fastener 8th , and an electric coil for facilitating attachment and detachment electrically in response to the permanent magnet 14 generated magnetic field.

As in the left part of the 5 and 6 shown when the permanent magnet 14 within the core 12 is arranged, the permanent magnet 14 a magnetic flux Φ, which in turn passes through the core 12 and the fastener 8th flows, creating a force of attraction between the permanent magnet 14 and the fastener 8th is produced.

As in the right part of the 5 and 6 shown, when a current I through the electric coil 13 flows to a magnetic field in the reverse direction to that of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 14 to generate, circulating through the permanent magnet 14 generated magnetic flux Φ inside the core 12 , whereby the attraction for the fastener 8th is lifted, leaving the fastener 8th can be solved easily.

The principle of the electro-permanent magnet type structure is to redirect the magnetic field instead of eliminating the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet. Specifically, a circular electro-permanent magnet type structure capable of maintaining constant performance without reducing the lifetime and magnetic field of the permanent magnet is most suitable.

The need for the electro-permanent magnet locking device is as follows: Since a pen-type connection for the artificial limb and the socket is used in the related art, local pressure may occur in the lower end of the stump around the pin. This becomes more serious if the stump is not round but a bone protrudes. In this case, repeated weight bearing may cause a scar, inflammation, necrosis or pain on the tissue of the stump. Such pain can cause abnormal gait and cause secondary illnesses associated with the abnormal gait. Therefore, a novel connection structure is required which can reduce local pressure by uniformly distributing a pressure across the lower end of the stump and uniformly applying a weight load across the lower end of the stump.

The permanent magnet locking device has the following effects. The local pressure concentration at the lower end of the stump, which occurs with the type of pin, can be prevented. Thus, it is possible to prevent a scar, inflammation, necrosis or pain in the tissue of the stump by reducing the local pressure. Since the pressure is evenly distributed across the lower end of the stump, the force is ideally distributed over the stump, and a balanced gear is made possible. Compared to the pin connection type of the related art, fatigue is reduced and an ideal gear similar to the normal gear is obtained.

7 FIG. 14 is a configuration view showing the fixing of a magnetic lock device and a sleeve liner according to the invention, which can be attached to and released from the magnetic lock device using magnetic force. FIG. As in 7 is a metal fastener 8th attached to the magnetic locking device 2 can be fixed and released from this, in response to the magnetic force of the magnetic locking device 2 at the bottom of the sleeve lining 9 attached. The fastener 8th can be made in a circular overall shape, such that it is attached to the magnetic locking device 2 can be fastened with greater fastening force. The fastener 8th may include holes along the perimeter of the fastener 8th may be formed to the connection force between the fastener 8th and the sleeve lining 9 to enlarge. The holes can with the silicone material of the sleeve lining 9 be connected, such that the fastener 8th in an efficient way with the sleeve lining 9 can be connected. The sleeve lining 9 may be molded to such a shape that a portion of the silicone of the sleeve liner is attached to the holes. It is preferred that the fastener 8th consists of an iron system material, which has a low alloy content, such that the fastener 8th can be easily attached to the magnet.

[Industrial Applicability]

The electro-permanent magnet lock realized in the invention uses both a permanent magnet and an electric coil to attract a metal object in the lower end of the sleeve by using a force of the permanent magnet so that the object is not released even if the magnet or a power system fails. By changing the polarity of the permanent magnet using a current supplied to the electric coil, it is possible to cause the metallic object to be fastened or detached. Since electric power is supplied only for a short period of time during fixing and releasing, it is possible to save energy while ensuring safety and reliability. In addition, since electric power is supplied only when the power is turned on / off, there is no increase in temperature. As a result, heat is prevented from being generated by the part on which the device is worn, thereby alleviating a feeling of stickiness in the stump.

In addition, the magnetic lock using the electro-permanent magnet provides for a large area for the connecting portion between the distal end of the stump and the artificial limb, to ensure that walking is very stable and to prevent pain. When the distal end of the silicone sleeve liner has very great flexibility, friction repeatedly occurs between the skin of the stump and the silicone sleeve liner, causing abrasion at the stump. However, the invention can prevent the expansion and contraction of the sleeve liner during walking, by providing a fastening mechanism based on a surface contact, instead of a fastening mechanism using a pin, thereby preventing abrasion.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1:

Magnetic lock housing

2:

Magnetic locking device

3:

battery

4:

current regulator

5:

Power switch

6:

Connecting pyramid of the artificial limb

7:

Connection adapter of the artificial limb

8th:

Sleeve fastener

9:

sleeve lining

10:

artificial limb

12:

core

13:

electric coil

14:

permanent magnet

20:

sleeve

Claims (7)

A structure for connecting an artificial limb (10) and a sleeve (20), comprising: a magnetic locking device (2) disposed at a distal end of the artificial body member (10), the magnetic locking device (2) including an electro-permanent magnet including a permanent magnet (14) and an electromagnet; and a fastener (8) disposed at a distal end of the sleeve (20), the fastener (8) being attachable and detachable from the magnetic latch (2) using a magnetic force. Structure after Claim 1 wherein the magnetic locking device (2) comprises: a core (12) for transmitting a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet (14) to the fixing member (8); the permanent magnet (14) disposed within the core (12) for generating the magnetic field; and an electric coil (13) disposed on the core (12), the electric coil (13) generating a magnetic field so that the fixing member (8) is easily attachable to and detachable from the magnetic locking device (2). Structure after Claim 2 wherein a magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet (14) flows through the core (12) and the fastener (8) to create an attractive force between the permanent magnet (14) and the fastener (8) Current through the electrical coil (13) is caused to generate a magnetic field in the reverse direction of that of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (14) to block a magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet (14), so that by the permanent magnet ( 14) is circulated within the core (12), thereby releasing the attraction force between the permanent magnet (14) and the fixing member (8), whereby the permanent magnet (14) and the fixing member (8) become easily detachable from each other. Structure after Claim 1 further comprising: a battery (3) for supplying power to the magnetic lock device (2); a current regulator (4) for controlling a current supplied to the magnetic lock device (2); and a power supply switch (5) to turn on / off the power supply to the magnetic lock device (2). Structure after Claim 4 in which power from the battery (3) is only used when the artificial body member (10) and the sleeve (20) are detached from each other. Structure after Claim 1 wherein a silicone sleeve liner (9) is disposed within the sleeve (20) and a unidirectional expandable raw material is secured to the surface of the sleeve liner (9), the unidirectional expandable raw material being expandable and contractible only in the width direction is, but not in the longitudinal direction. Structure after Claim 6 wherein the sleeve liner (9) has a double structure comprising an inner member made of silicone having a Shore A hardness between 5 and 20 and an outer member which consists of silicone with a Shore A hardness between 30 and 60.

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